At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), global leaders, activists, experts, and others gathered, including 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum Baloch, an energetic climate change activist and award-winning researcher from District Hub Chowki. She hails from the remote area of Balochistan, specifically the town of Zehri in the Khuzdar district. Zunaira is currently pursuing her basic education in the 8th grade at Hub Chowki. She is working to empower the girls in her community as an agent of change. Zunaira focuses on climate change, education, and gender equality, and she is also affiliated with the international organisation UNICEF.
Recently, Zunaira Qayyum Baloch attended the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), organised by the UN on climate change, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Zunaira’s nomination for COP29 is a significant achievement, as a 14-year-old girl from Balochistan attended the conference. She believes that education is the key way for girls to become "agents of change" and empower themselves and their communities.
“I chose to focus on 'girls' education rights' in the context of climate change because I believe that education is a fundamental right that can empower individuals, especially girls, to become agents of change,” Zunaira Qayyum Baloch said confidently. She adds “Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including girls and women. By advocating for girls' education, I aim to address the intersectionality of climate change, education, and gender equality.”
Zunaira expressed her concerns about how climate change disasters have affected Balochistan and the children impacted by these changes, during different sessions with experts at COP29.
“Youth want climate education, renewable energy, clean drinking water, and to be part of decision-making processes,” she said in one session.
“Living in Balochistan, Pakistan, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of climate change,” said Zunaira Qayyum in a UNICEF statement. “Floods and heatwaves have become our new reality, affecting our lives and threatening our future. Climate change is a child rights crisis. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events jeopardise our health, education, and well-being."
Listing her name for COP29 is a great achievement for her and Balochistan. She became a star in advocating for her society and people. “I was able to attend COP29 in Baku. My experience was insightful and empowering. I had the opportunity to network with global leaders and participate in high-level discussions.”
Further, Zunaira shared her thoughts about her career goals and continuing activism. “My career goal is to continue advocating for girls' education and climate action. I plan to pursue a career in environmental policy, education, or a related field, where I can make a meaningful impact. “I also aspire to work with organisations that share my passion for creating a more sustainable and equitable world.”
We need to ensure that vulnerable segments, especially girls, are empowered through education and that the daunting threat of climate change is addressed on an urgent basis to preserve our future
“I am currently affiliated with UNICEF. However, my work on girls' education and climate change is primarily self-driven, and I collaborate with various organisations and individuals to amplify my impact,” Zunaira said.
I got selected by UNICEF as a climate champion,” Zunaira shared. “At COP29, I hoped to raise awareness about the intersectionality of climate change, education, and gender equality, and to advocate for immediate action on behalf of vulnerable communities like those in Balochistan.”
Along with her advocacy on climate change and other issues, she has conducted awareness programs and training sessions. “Yes, I have conducted awareness programs in Balochistan to advocate for girls' education and climate change, such as youth advocacy guide training. We faced challenges, such as convincing parents,” she shared.
She also spoke about the support of her family. “My family has been extremely supportive of my activism. My role models are my parents, as they teach me to never stop and do something different. Their dedication to creating positive change and their courage in the face of adversity inspires me to continue my work,” Zunaira said.
“World leaders must take immediate, collective, and ambitious action to address the climate crisis,” Zunaira emphasised. "We need to ensure that vulnerable segments, especially girls, are empowered through education and that the daunting threat of climate change is addressed on an urgent basis to preserve our future."